The effectiveness of a health behavioral change program on type 2 diabetes elderly patients with overweight in geriatric clinic, Ratchaphiphat Hospital

Abstract

Introduction : Nowadays, aging population is rising as much as non-communicable diseases, especially

type 2 diabetes mellitus, and overweight is a common risk factor. Lifestyle modification is first

recommend; however, the health behavior change program can be applied. The study aims to examine the

effectiveness of the health behavior change program, especially in the elderly.

Objectives : To compare the changes in BMI and HbA1c between patients receiving the health behavioral

change program and those receiving standard treatment.

Materials and Methods : This retrospective cohort study utilized a designated record form. We analyzed

demographic data using descriptive statistics. Within-group difference scores were analyzed using the

Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test. Between-group scores were analyzed using the Friedman Test.

Results : The study involved 500 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes and overweight. Two hundred and

fifty patients received the health behavioral change program, while the other two hundred and fifty

patients received standard treatment. After the 6-month program, we found that the health behavioral

change program group had statistically significant reductions in both BMI and HbA1c levels compared to

the standard group (p < 0.001). The health behavioral change program group had a statistically significant

improvement in both body mass index and HbA1c levels compared with the standard group (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that the health behavioral change program is more effective than standard

treatment in reducing BMI and HbA1c levels (p<0.05).